Fights to Watch This Weekend
By: José A Maldonado
Boxing has experienced a bit of a hangover following Floyd Mayweather’s Pay Per View blockbuster bout against Miguel Cotto earlier this month. With most people waiting to see Manny Pacquiao take on Timothy Bradley in June, it’s easy to overlook what will go on between the two events. Last weekend, for instance, the biggest match up was Brian Viloria versus Omar Niño Romero, their third encounter and not necessarily the type of bout that had people salivating worldwide.
This weekend is not very different. There isn’t much to talk about and the most important fight will take place in Denmark and not be televised in the US. But as with all rough terrain, with a little searching and patience, a few diamonds might be unearthed. So here are a few fights you may want to keep an eye out for this weekend:
Odlanier Solis vs. Konstantin Airich – Pharr, Texas
Cuban standout Odlanier Solís, nicknamed “La Sombra,” or “The Shadow,” has been a shadow indeed since his disappointing 1st round stoppage loss to Vitali Klitschko way back in March of 2011. That fight, of course, ended when Solís (17-1-12 KOs) crumpled to the canvas with what turned out to be a torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee. The injury prompted many to say he was too afraid to go on against Klitschko and that he simply faked the injury, an absurd claim considering that he had surgery to repair the knee and hasn’t fought in over a year while rehabbing it. He’ll make a quiet return in Texas, of all places, against Konstantin Airich (23-5-2-17 KOs). This matchup is a bit of a surprise since it isn’t exactly the soft touch one would expect. Sure, Airich isn’t very well known and, though respectable, his record doesn’t scream “world beater,” but he’s an experienced midrange boxer who has been in the ring with such fighters as Danny Williams and Tye Fields, not to mention serving as sparring partner for both Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko. With Solís’ extensive amateur background and Airich’s experience, neither fighter will bring anything the other hasn’t seen, but since this will be the Cuban’s first bout in 14 months, the chances of an upset make this fight one to look out for.
David Price vs. Sam Sexton – Liverpool, England
With the world scrambling for a contender for the Klitschkos, there suddenly appears to be an abundance of fighters who, though probably not capable of beating the champs, will at least provide them with fresh bodies. Guys like Tyson Fury, Seth Mitchell, and Bermane Stiverne have been mentioned as possible opponents for the Ukranian twin towers. Recently, 2008 British Olympian David Price has been added to this list, if not for skill, then for sheer size. The 6’8 giant has been brought along quickly and, despite only having 12 fights as a professional, will already be fighting for the British heavyweight title that was vacated by the aforementioned Fury. Price has stopped 10 fighters in 12 victories in a career that has included increasingly better opposition. This weekend he’ll face fellow Brit Sam Sexton (15-2-6 KOs), best known for having lost twice to Derek Chisora. Should Price pass this test, a fight with Fury would generate millions in the UK. It already has people in England debating who the harder puncher is and it’s a fight that would require virtually zero promotion to be successful since it already has folks in an uproar. Whether the bout will ever actually be made is unclear, especially with Fury stating that he’d like to take on the best (though he still has a lot of developing to do). Regardless of what happens later, fight fans should take advantage of this opportunity to watch Price so they can gauge for themselves what chances he has of beating Fury and, eventually, a Klitschko.
Karim Mayfield vs. Raymond Serrano – Albany, New York
This bout comes with a disclaimer: it won’t be pretty. Both fighters have less than crowd-pleasing styles and the probability for a stoppage is low for this ESPN Friday Night Fights main event. Mayfield’s approach includes holding and hitting, rabbit punches, and smothering in-fighting while Serrano (18-0-8 KOs) is a slick boxer who doesn’t engage much and has only stopped 2 fighters in his last 8 fights. The reason this fight even makes this list, nevertheless, is that on paper it looks more like a Showtime Next Generation matchup than an ESPN one, featuring two undefeated prospects looking to expand their audience. This is a huge opportunity for both fighters and, theoretically at least, it should bring out the best in them, thus opening up the possibility for fireworks. Serrano hasn’t beaten anyone of note and he has only ever fought one undefeated fighter, but he was an accomplished amateur who has appeared on televised cards a few times. Mayfield (15-0-1-9 KOs), meanwhile, holds the WBO and NABO light welterweight titles and owns impressive wins over Steve Forbes and Francisco Santana. A victory for either fighter could lead to bigger opportunities, giving fight fans an opportunity to get a glimpse at a guy we may be seeing more of in the future.
Allan Green vs. Mikkel Kessler – Copenhagen, Denmark
This will be the biggest fight by far this weekend. A few years ago it would have garnered huge interest among the boxing community and may have taken place at a renowned venue in the US, but with Kessler’s chronic injuries and inactivity, coupled with Green’s poor performance in the Super Six (a tournament Kessler left due to, you guessed it: injury), this once tantalizing matchup has been relegated to Kessler’s backyard on a card that will go untelevised in the US. Despite being a fine fighter, many question Kessler’s credentials since he lost his two biggest fights to Joe Calzaghe and Andre Ward and his biggest win (a decision over Carl Froch) was questionable at best. Couple this with the fact that he has only fought 4 times in 3 years and it’s clear why he’s fallen a bit under the radar. It will be interesting, however, to see just how much the Viking Warrior has left, especially after all those injuries and time off. With a win, Kessler has a big enough name to get himself right back into the mix. Green, on the other hand, has displayed a penchant for somehow getting decent opportunities after disappointing results. As I point out here, he has always come back after seemingly being done and even if he loses I wouldn’t be surprised to see him again. Green (31-3-21 KOs) has never had a big fight at light heavyweight and this will be Kessler’s first, yet the winner will somehow become the possessor of the WBC’s “Silver” light heavyweight title. Not that this title adds any importance to the bout, but you will only watch one fight this weekend, make it this one.
José A Maldonado is senior staff writer at punchrate.com and contributing writer for realcombatmedia.com
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